LAKEWOOD — If distance runner Kelley Robinson keeps this up, Nederland might become known for something besides its annual “Frozen Dead Guy Days” festival.
Robinson successfully defended her Class 2A state title in the 3,200 on Friday at Jefferson County Stadium — about a month before she is to report to the Naval Academy, where she will run track and cross country and gladly fulfill the military obligations.
Holding off a race-long push by freshman Tabor Scholl of West Grand High School (Kremmling), Robinson crossed the finish line in 11 minutes, 19.86 seconds, besting her winning 2011 time of 11:33.84 despite a lingering hamstring issue.
Robinson will attempt to defend her title today in the 1,600, then it’s time to begin preparations for a trip to Annapolis, Md., in mid-June.
An honors student, Robinson also drew recruiting interest from Washington, Pennsylvania, New Mexico, Colorado and other Division I schools. Robinson’s older sister, Kat, runs for Colorado State, but Kelley was intrigued by Navy.
“I looked at all my choices and thought, ‘The Naval Academy, that’s big stuff,’ ” Robinson said Friday. “I think it’s admirable to go to Navy, or any military.”
Robinson’s father, Ken, a former Nederland police chief, ran track at Arizona State, as did Kelley’s mother, Sabrina Peters Robinson, who became a marathoner. The family moved to Nederland 10 years ago.
“They never pressured me into running,” Kelley said. “We’d go on family runs, and I just fell in love with it.”
Good thing, because Robinson had to reach for something extra to hold off Scholl, who could dominate the event for the next three years. The pair ran almost stride for stride for much of the race before Robinson took a lead of about 3 to 5 meters with 800 meters to go. That proved to be the final margin of victory, as Robinson had more kick for the final stretch. “On the last lap, I just went for it,” Robinson said.
Another highlight in the girls division saw Arapahoe sophomore Devan Foster upset top-seeded Kaela Edwards of Littleton in the Class 5A 800. Edwards, a senior who signed with Oklahoma State, entered with a time that challenged the 16-year-old state record of 2:07.53 by Tara Mendozza of Eaglecrest. Edwards, finishing in 2:10.61 under windy conditions, led throughout until a late charge by Foster (2:10.50) nipped her at the finish line.
“I knew this was my last chance to beat her,” Foster said. “So I wanted to push myself.”
Tom Kensler: 303-954-1280 or tkensler@denverpost.com
